Chemical characterization and bioactivity of the essential oil fromSantolina insularis, a Sardinian endemism

Santolina insularisis a Sardinian endemism that is widely used in traditional medicine. The essential oil was obtained with a yield of 2.7% and is mainly characterized by beta-phellandrene (22.6%), myrcene (11.4%) and artemisia ketone (7.6%). The oil significantly reduced NO production without affecting macrophages viability. In addition, it substantially inhibited the expression of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 (71% and 25% at 0.54 mg/mL). Furthermore, the oil had a promising antifungal activity beingCryptococcus neoformans(MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) and the majority of dermatophytes (MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) the most susceptible fungi. Moreover, it significantly decreased the yeast-to-hypha transition (80% inhibition at 0.13 mg/mL) onC. albicanslong before showing inhibitory effects. Overall, these results show thatS. insulariscould be applied in the treatment of fungal infections and associated inflammatory response.

Automated summary

The study reveals that the essential oil of Santolina insularis can effectively reduce nitric oxide production, inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes, and demonstrate significant antifungal activity, especially against Cryptococcus neoformans and most dermatophytes.